In a surprising Facebook message posted tonight (April 15), heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has admitted to “drinking and taking drugs” over the past 18 months. The revelation comes after rumors earlier today that he has split with his wife Sharon.

The open letter to fans also finds Ozzy stating that he is working on getting better and has been sober for the past 44 days. While announcing he is not divorcing Sharon, he did admit to being “an a–hole to the people I love most, my family.” He also apologized to his family, friends, Black Sabbath bandmates and fans for his “insane behavior.”

For the last year and a half I have been drinking and taking drugs. I was in a very dark place and was an a–hole to the people I love most, my family. However, I am happy to say that I am now 44 days sober.

Just to set the record straight, Sharon and I are not divorcing. I’m just trying to be a better person.

I would like to apologize to Sharon, my family, my friends and my band mates for my insane behavior during this period………and my fans.

God Bless,

Ozzy

The metal singer’s public revelation came only hours after Black Sabbath announced a series of North American tour dates in support of their upcoming album, ’13,’ which comes out June 11.

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